Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Sabine's Gull
Scientific name:	Xema sabini
Date:	23 Sept. 2005
Time:	8:30 a.m.
Length of time observed:	3 hours
Number:	2
Age:	adult
Sex:	??
Location:	3/4 mile south of intersectin of Highways 36 and 199.
County:	Tooele
Latilong:
Elevation:	Approx. 4400 feet
Distance to bird:	200 feet
Optical equipment:	10 x 42 Leica binoculars; Leica spotting scope on tripod
Weather:	Clear, cool, temp. about 68 degrees.
Light Conditions:	Clear, good light from the sun in the east, pond is west of road.
Description: Size of bird:	Smaller than California Gull
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Gull-shaped
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Gray back, white under, striking wing markings.
(Description:) Bill Type:	Small gull bill, black at base, yellow tip.
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Obvious black and white upper wing pattern; partial hood behind eyes; mantle and wing coverts gray, not brown.
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	Flying back and forth above the shallow pond, often both together, Often dipping down to pick a fly off the water. Quite often would light on the water for just a minute or so, then would be up flying again.
Habitat:	Broad, shallow, fresh-water pond about 10 acres in size, in otherwise grassy habitat. Some pond weeds, which attracted shorebirds.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	There were no other gulls or terns present at this time.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	This species has been seen and identified on 2 prior occasions this fall, during migration time, both at Ant. Island Causeway.
References consulted:	Sibley's Field Guide to Western Birds of North America.
Description from:	Notes taken at time of sighting
Observer:	Steve Carr
Observer's address:	2801 E. 5140 South, Holladay, Utah 84117
Observer's e-mail address:	stevecarr9@msn.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	Pomera Fronce, Jack Binch, Candy Zaffis.
Date prepared:	23 Sept. 2004
Additional material:
Additional comments:	The only reason I am submitting this record is that there were 2 adult birds seen at the same time, often flying or sitting together.